Top 20 Promotional Job Interview Questions and Answers in Kenya

No doubt, landing a job opportunity in Kenya is no small achievement at all considering the level of unemployment in the country. So, if you were able to finally land a job in Kenya, then you should be congratulated. So, congratulations! on your new job. 

Now that you have gotten a job, you want to secure the job and grow on the job. Everyone indeed wants to be successful, I guess you want to succeed in your job too. Succeeding at your place of work is usually not something that will happen naturally.

Yes, you may say to yourself; "I have been in this company for 5 years, I have helped the company close many deals, my manager knows all the great things that I have achieved, so they will give me a promotion because I deserve it."

Well, while things might take this route in some companies (small companies and start-ups) it is not always the case in big companies and multinationals. Many structured companies organize a promotional interviews for both internal and external job candidates. This means that if you feel that you are qualified for a role in the company where you work, you would indicate your interest in the HR department and be scheduled for an interview like every other job candidate. 

Promoting an existing employee from one position to another is not always as simple as employees see it. Companies have to do some considerations before deciding to promote an existing employee. Employers usually consider things like:

1. How they would get a perfect replacement for your role.
2. What they would go about the person in the role you are looking to fill (if it is an existing role), should they create a new role for that person?
3. How they would manage the emotions of other staff members that are not getting promoted.

Many companies take their promotional interview seriously for both external and internal job candidates, this is why you should prepare well for your promotional interview. In this article, we are going to look at some interview questions and sample answers that will help you convince the HR manager to give you the promotion that you deserve.

Top 20 promotional Job Interview Questions and Answers 

1. How can you describe the time that you have spent in this company so far?
2. What do you like the most about your current position?
3. Why do you want to leave your current position?
4. Can you tell me what you know about the position that you are being considered for?
5. Why do you want to get promoted to the position?
6. Why should we consider you as the best candidate for this position?
7. `How do you think your colleagues in your current role would describe you?
8. If you get promoted, how would you deal with your previous colleagues that are yet to get a promotion?
9. Do you think that you may need to acquire more skills and knowledge to take on the new role?
10. How would you handle it if you don’t get the promotion?
11. Imagine you get promoted to a new role, what is the first thing that you would do?
12. If you get promoted, when next would you be expecting a promotion?
13. Do you have an idea of how your typical day would be like if you get promoted?
14. Tell me about a time when you had to complete a task you had never done before…how did you go about it?
15. What changes you would make if you get promoted?
16. What challenges did you face in your current role and how were you able to manage them?
17. What is the biggest challenge you think you would face if you get promoted?
18. Why How do you remain motivated in your work
19. What changes you would make if you get promoted?
20. What are your salary expectations for this role?

Also read this related post; Top 100 Job Interview Questions and Answers

1. How can you describe the time that you have spent in the company so far?

How to approach this question

Don't try to give too many unnecessary details when answering this question. Simply, talk about the things you loved about your current position and your achievements on the job.

Sample Answer

“I can describe the time that I have spent in my current position as a time of growth and learning. When I started my current position, I struggled a bit to get used to some of the company’s software. I consciously learned all that I could from others which have helped me achieve great results.

My quest to clearly understand anything that confuses me has made me develop an interest in teaching others. At the moment, I am one of the strong members of the company’s learning and development committee.

Since I joined the committee, the company has recorded great results because employees have a clearer understanding of what is expected of them”. 

 

2. What do you like the most about your current position?

How to approach this question

Avoid dwelling on minority things and irrelevances like; how free you are with your boss, how team members go out for lunch together. You should rather focus on the impact that you have made in the company and your current position. 

Sample Answer

“One of the things I like about my current position is the opportunity that I have to think critically and propose solutions to move the company forward in terms of; revenue, impact, PR, etc. 

I also like the fact that I can influence the achievements that other staff members make from the solutions that I propose as the business strategist."

 

3. Why do you want to leave your current position?

How to approach this question

Avoid badmouthing your colleagues/team members or manager/team lead, that is not what the recruiter wants to hear. Let the recruiter know how you can do more with the skills, knowledge, abilities, and work experience that you have gained so far. Let the recruiter see that your current position is limiting your capacity to achieve more for the company.

Sample Answer

“No doubt, I love the impact that I am making in the company as a content developer, but I think that I am ready to face more challenges and impact the company more at this point in my career.

Over the years, I have developed good content for the company and I have also seen myself grow beyond creating content. Most times, while I create content I also develop strategies for the business that has yielded great results over the years.

I believe that doing both simultaneously is limiting what I can achieve for the company.”

 

4. Why do you want to get promoted to this position?

How to approach this question

Although this is a common question, you also need to be careful. You don't want to start talking about; how you have been in the company for donkey years and how your financial responsibilities have increased. 

When you are answering this question, be careful to give reasons that show the employer that you are ready to take on more responsibilities. 

Sample Answer

“I have worked as the only customer service executive over the years, and I have achieved great results. Now, that the company has hired new customer service executives which I have also trained. 

I believe that I have learned everything that I need to learn in my current role, and now I am ready to use my skills and knowledge in a leadership role”

 

5. Can you tell me what you know about the position that you are being considered for?

How to approach this question

Here the recruiter is interested in discovering the information that you have about the company. It is good for you to also go straight to the point and talk about what the employer will likely expect from someone in this position. 

Sample Answer

“When I am promoted to become the company’s customer service team lead, I know that my duties and responsibilities in the company will change from what they used to be to something different.

As the team lead for the customer service department, I would be expected to approach things as a leader. My responsibilities will include:

1. Communicating the goals and company objectives with my team members. Acting as a channel of communication between my team and the management.

2. Monitoring progress of activities and projects.

3. Managing resources.

4. Solving problems in the team. 

I know that these would be my core duties as the team lead.”

 

6. Why should we consider you as the best candidate for this position?

How to approach this question

When you are answering this question, concentrate on the things that make you stand out from other candidates that are looking to get promoted into the same role. Avoid talking down on other job candidates. Focus on yourself, and why you think you are the best person for the job. 

Sample Answer

“Having worked in this company for 5 years, I think that I have gained a lot of experience on how the company runs and I also understand what is required of every employee in my team (should I get promoted) to achieve great results.

I believe that my years of experience in this role and company will help me achieve great results right from my first month on the job. This will also save the company the money and time that they would have invested in onboarding and training.

I also believe that I have the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to meet and even surpass my target in the new position.”

 

7. How do you think your colleagues in your previous role would describe you?

How to approach this question

Understand that the recruiter is trying to discover your strengths and possible weaknesses by not directly asking you; "What are strengths and weaknesses". Talk about things that make you the best candidate for the position. 

When you are answering this question, always remember to;

1. Be honest (most times recruiters can sense when you are lying with this question, For example if you say that your co-workers will describe you as a confident person, but you are shivering right in front of the recruiter.
2. Talk about one or two points.
3. Make your answer simple and easy to deliver.
4. Show how the trait you have described would help you succeed in the new job.

You can also look at the job description to get a clue of how you can tailor your traits to the role that you are looking to take.

Sample Answer

“I think that my colleagues will describe me as a natural leader and problem solver. When the company is working on a project, I usually take the lead (I am usually the person to take the first step) and I always encourage and remind others to do their part so that we can achieve the result.

That is why in my current position, my line manager puts me in charge of handling projects for the department. 

                                                                                                                            

8. If you get promoted, how would you deal with your previous colleagues that are yet to get a promotion?

How to approach this question

Recruiters know that getting a promotion will likely come with some emotional challenges that you would have to deal with. The recruiter here is trying to see how well you would deal with your previous colleagues' emotions and still position yourself to achieve success on the job. 
When answering this question, you can acknowledge how others (your previous colleagues) may be feeling and propose how you intend to work with your team members without sentiments.

Sample Answer

“I understand that some of my colleagues have been in the company before me, and seeing me become their team lead my raise some kind of emotions in their heart. While I acknowledge their feelings as regards adapting to change, I also believe that this is a work environment and emotions have no place in a fast-paced work environment.

That said, I will also do my best to treat everyone on the team with respect paying attention to their skills. I am sure that when my team members and I focus on meeting and surpassing our goals in no time the emotions will be a thing of the past.”

Also read interview questions about; "why are you leaving your job"

 

9. Do you think that you may need to acquire more skills and knowledge to take on the new role?

How to approach this question

The recruiter wants to know how ready you are to take on new responsibilities in the role that you are looking to get. The secret to answering this question is to simply show the employer that you are well-prepared and have what it takes to function in the new role. 
Asides from showing confidence in your ability to handle things, you should also display your enthusiasm to learn more and acquire new skills to achieve great results on the job.

Sample Answer

“I have worked as a marketing executive in this company for 6 years now, and I am familiar with all the tools, software’s, etc. to an expert level. I have also achieved great results, so I know that I have the necessary skills to succeed in the new role.

Notwithstanding, I also know that this is my first time in a management position and I will have to learn how to lead people effectively, how to manage conflict, and how to deal with subordinates that were once colleagues.”

 

10. How would you handle it if you don’t get the promotion?

How to approach this question

The recruiter wants to have an idea about how well you can control your emotions. The recruiter also wants to find out how you handle disappointment because it may be one of the challenges that you would face taking on the new role. 
The key to answering this question is to avoid being emotional and focus on your strategies for handling disappointments. Remember to state your responses one at a time. 

Sample Answer 

“Honestly, I will feel a little bit disappointed because I have put in my best in my job over the years and I feel like I am ready for this role. 

Notwithstanding, if I don’t get this role; I understand that HR has made the best decision because only one person can get the role. I also believe that the HR managers are well qualified to know who deserves the position best; whether me or other candidates.”

 

11. Imagine you get promoted, what is the first thing that you would do?

How to approach this question

The recruiter wants to understand your values and priorities. Your response will give the recruiter an idea of what your short term goals are for the role and the company. Also, remember to give answers that show that your priorities are right, also show the recruiters that you have great leadership skills. 

Sample Answer

“If I get promoted to the new role, the first thing that I would do is to get to know my team members better. I would love to understand their work patterns. I believe that it is very important for me to have a good working relationship with my team members because together we are going to achieve great results.

For the team to achieve its goal, we have to work together. That is why I need to start on the right foot.”

 

12. If you get promoted, when next would you be expecting a promotion?

How to approach this question

Most times, recruiters ask this question because they want to know how well you understand the promotion process of the company. Answering promotional interview questions about your expectations may be challenging, make sure to frame your questions right.

Sample Answer          

“Well, I believe that promotions come as a result of hard work and a great attitude. I also believe that an employee must prove themselves to the management before considering a career advancement of any kind. 

I am interested in moving upward within the company, but I also know that I will have to earn it.”

 

13. Do you have an idea of how your typical day would look like if you get promoted?

How to approach this question

They simply want to know how ready you are to take on new responsibilities. When you are answering this question, you should remember to talk about everything you know about the role that you are looking to fill.

Sample Answer 

“Yes, I can say that I have a good knowledge of how my typical day would look like if I get promoted. I have worked as a customer service executive for 5 years now, and I have worked closely with the former customer service team lead.

I know that as a team lead, I would be responsible for:

1. coming up with strategies to improve the services that the team provides.

2. Organize training for team members.

3. Evaluate team members activities.

4. Review each team members tasks and responses on a daily level.

I also know that as a team lead, I would have to constantly inspire my team members to achieve greatness.”

 

14. Tell me about a time when you had to complete a task you had never done before…how did you go about it?

How to approach this question

The recruiter wants to find out how well you can take on the new tasks effectively. Moving to a higher role may expose you to details of the task that you were not aware of before. When you are answering this question talk about a time that you took on a new responsibility and completed it well. 

Sample Answer

“I was once given a task that I have not done before in my current role. When I saw the brief, I knew that it was something I was not used to. To excellently deliver on the task and meet the deadline, I did the following:

1. I carefully went through the brief to have a better understanding of what is expected of me.

2. I noted down all the things that I had no idea of.

3. I researched to know what I need to tackle them.

4. I asked for help from experts in the field.

5. I created an outline and divided the task into sections.

6. I created a timeline for each section.

Finally, I gave myself a deadline on when I am expected to complete the task.”

 

 

15. What Are the Qualities That Are Needed For The Aspired Role?

How to approach this question

When recruiters ask this question, they are simply asking you; do you have what is need to do the job?

Sample Answer

“Asides from being academically qualified for this role and having the right certifications, I know that there are qualities that one needs to succeed in this role. Some of the qualities that I think can help me succeed in this role include;

1. Problem-solving skills (as a customer service team lead, I should be prepared to solve customers problems on the spot.

2. Communication (I should be able to effectively communicate with my team members, customers, and staff members in other departments.

3. Strategic thinking (as a team lead, I should be able to think strategically to position the business to achieve success. 

4. Innovation (I should also be creative and innovative towards achieving success. 

Above all, leadership skills are one of the core skills that someone in this role should have. If you are to lead a team of people, then you must be a great leader.”

 

16. What challenges did you face in your current role and how were you able to manage them?

How to approach this question

To answer this question, focus on walking the recruiter through the strategies you employed to manage and resolve challenges in your previous role. Go ahead to give examples to give similar context that may occur in your new role. 

Sample Answer

“Asides from the fact that I enjoy my current role, I experienced some challenges on the job. One of the major challenges that I experienced was communication and the relationship between people in my team and the management.

The department that I functioned in was created a few years ago, and we have not had a leader since then. When we are experiencing some challenges, it is difficult for us to get it to the knowledge of the management.

I know that poor communication and a rough relationship can bring poor performance. If I am given the position, I will ensure effective communication and also create a smooth relationship between the department and the management.”

 

17. What is the biggest challenge you think you would face if you get promoted?

How to approach this question

The interviewer wants to find out how well you know the role that you are looking to get. Knowing the challenges that you would likely face if you get the promotion shows that you have a good understanding of the role.
When you are answering this question, remember to talk about what you think might challenge you in the new role, and how you intend to manage the situation.

Sample Answer

“since the role that I am looking to get is a leadership role, one of the challenges that I think I would face if I get promoted is dealing with team members’ differences. The truth is that there are different people in a team.

While some may be easy to deal with, others may not be. I also believe that it is the responsibility of the leader to ensure that team member works together to achieve great results. One of the things I would like to do if I get promoted is to understand every team member’s unique ability.

I believe that I would be starting on the right foot with them.”

 

18. How do you remain motivated in your work?

How to approach this question

A recruiter would love to hire someone motivated because a motivated leader will inspire their team members to achieve greatness. When you are answering this question, talk about what you do to ensure that you are ready to achieve your goals on the job.

Sample Answer

“What motivates me to do more in my work is looking at solutions that I have provided and the problems that I have been able to solve. The joy I feel when I see the strategies that I developed to yield the desired results.

Also knowing that I am making someone else’s life better somewhere with the solutions that I create motivates me too.”

 

19. What changes would you make if you get promoted?

How to approach this question

Recruiters admire job candidates that have a unique value that they are bringing to the table, and they want to see your values will impact the new role and the company.

Sample Answer

“If I get promoted, one of the changes that I would make is to ensure that my team members get access to training as much as possible. Although the company is doing its best as regards training, I would increase the intensity.

The truth is that marketing is changing, especially in the tech world that we leave in now. I believe that if my team members and I have the right skills, we will be able to achieve even more.”

 

20. What are your salary expectations for this role?

How to approach this question

The recruiter simply wants to know if your salary expectations match the company's reality.  You have to be careful when answering this question because it has to do with money. Do well to do your research to answer this question effectively.

Sample Answer

“I know that my salary will change if I get the promotion because with new sets of responsibilities comes a new compensation package. I will expect to be paid N500, 000 (ensure that this is what other managers earn in the company).

Even if I look forward to being paid N500, 000 I am open to negotiation.”

 

Applying for an internal position or attending an internal job interview in Kenya appears to be easy but it is always not straightforward. The company may indeed have some sentiments towards you ( because you are currently working there).
You must prepare for your promotional interview because you want to show that you deserve the promotion that you are looking to get. It is good you know that you might be competing with your friends and colleagues.